The ‘Tinkerman’ has led the big-spending Ligue 1 outfit to second place and Champions League qualification this season, a year on from winning the club promotion to France’s top flight.

However, having made a number of marquee signings to bolster his squad, it seems billionaire President Dmitri Rybolovlev is not satisfied with the team’s probable failure to wrestle the title away from PSG this term.

Ranieri is also said to have a poor relationship with several first-team players, including captain Eric Abidal.

He will therefore likely pay the price in the summer, with the aforementioned trio all touted as potential successors to the Rouges et Blancs hotseat.